TX SB2054

Prohibits the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board from authorizing exempt institutions to offer nursing programs or grant nursing degrees unless operating under a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) or deemed necessary by the board

Defines "nursing program" to include programs preparing students for licensed vocational nurse licensure or degrees including ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP

Adds a formal definition of "professional degree" to include M.D., D.O., D.D.S., D.V.M., J.D., and LL.B. degrees

Requires private postsecondary institutions seeking to offer nursing programs to demonstrate that existing programs at public and private higher education institutions are insufficient to meet state market needs

Mandates that institutions seeking nursing program authorization must have adequate faculty and resources, meet the same standards as similar programs at established institutions, and ensure sufficient clinical placement availability

Takes effect September 1, 2025